DJ Jam Master Jay is a true pioneer of modern hip-hop. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist - bass, drums and keyboards - he became a benchmark for his turntable skills. As a member of Run-D.M.C., he showcased his talent and became a benchmark on the rap scene. Married, father of three and no longer involved with cars, he set up the Scratch DJ Academy in Manhattan. On October 30, 2002, he was shot dead in a recording studio, probably for defying drug dealers.